Emma Raducanu “not sure how to improve” her game after succumbing to a second-round exit in Madrid
Emma Raducanu lost in her second clay match of the season at the Madrid Open.
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Emma Raducanu (Image via LTA)
Emma Raducanu succumbed to a disappointing defeat in the second round of the Madrid Open after failing to beat Marta Kostyuk. The British star was hoping to continue with her Miami Open form at the WTA 1000 event but that has failed to materialize. She now shares an uncomfortable admission after the loss.
Raducanu had reached the quarterfinals of the Miami Open last month. She defeated two Top 20 players, including American Emma Navarro in the second round. However, after that, she took a break away from the court ahead of the clay season, withdrawing from the WTA 250 tournament in Rouen.
She made her first clay appearance of the season in Madrid and defeated Suzan Lamens 7-6(6), 6-4 in the first round. She then faced a tough challenge against Kostyuk, who proved to have more experience on the surface. She succumbed to a disappointing 4-6, 6-2, 2-6 loss against the Ukrainian star.
During her press conference, she was asked if there was anything she would do ahead of the Italian Open; Raducanu revealed that she has yet to master the art of sliding on the red dirt, which is a very important feature on clay court.
I found moving really difficult. I felt like I was slipping around, but it was taking me a long time to get out of the corners and after the serve as well. I’m not really sure how to improve that, so I guess I’ll just take that back and try to work on it next week.
Emma Raducanu said via Madrid Open Press
Raducanu has not had a brilliant season in 2025. In fact, she has struggled to be consistent on the court. Perhaps, if she had played at the Open de Rouen, she would have learned some substantial lessons about the clay court.
Emma Raducanu takes the positives from her loss to Marta Kostyuk in Madrid
Emma Raducanu will now have to look past her defeat to Marta Kostyuk in the second round. Two years ago, she met the Ukrainian at the same stage of the competition and defeated her. The World No.49 now has to reflect on her loss, taking the positives and working harder to bounce back in Rome.
I think it’s positive to get through and play two matches on the outdoor clay courts. I would say that it is pretty noticeable to me that I don’t necessarily feel very comfortable, but I think that’s something that I can improve on and work on. And it is my second proper clay season and the first one in three years. So I think I’m just trying to give myself a chance to play as many points as I can on it, and also [I need] time on the court training as well.
Emma Raducanu said
Raducanu has always attempted to play her best on clay but has often failed. The former US Open champion would have to be more strategic and get the needed preparation to play her best tennis before the French Open.
Emma Raducanu’s lack of experience on the clay court has hampered her performance
Emma Raducanu has a lot to deal with ahead of the Italian Open, which starts on May 7. The former World No.10 has very limited experience playing on the clay court. In fact, in 2022, she competed in only 11 matches on the surface; in 2023, she played just once, while last year, she featured in just six matches with a 4-2 record.
This season, she has played only two matches, which is going in the same trend as aforementioned. This shows that she needs to play more often clay. Over the years, she has often focused more on grass and hard court, but that isn’t enough for a player who wants to be top-class.
Also, her complaint about not being able to slide perfectly on the clay court proves her lack of experience on the surface. Hopefully, her team can find a way to help her before the clay Grand Slam in Paris.
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